Microsoft has updated the Xbox LIVE offering users access to Facebook, Zune, Last.fm and Twitter through the Xbox 360 game console. Sony's answer came today with a new firmware update (v3.10) that enables PlayStation 3 to access Facebook.

Through the updated Xbox LIVE, Xbox LIVE Gold members around the world gain access to Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune video with instant-on HD through the Xbox 360 console.

Members can update their status to share what movie, game or entertainment they?re enjoying, connect with friends, and view their Facebook stream, status updates and photos on the big screen ? all integrated and custom-built for Xbox 360. Zune video on Xbox LIVE offers instant-on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. No waiting for downloads or buffering, it?s there at the press of a button. Users can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen.
Xbox LIVE members can also stay in the know by discovering, posting and replying to tweets right on their Xbox 360. They can view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who?s tweeting about their favorite game. Finally, members can discover more music and explore endless personalized radio stations with Last.fm on Xbox 360. Options such as Skip, "ban" or "love" of tracks are added, allowing users to create their mix. Microsoft has also built in "Gamer Stations" with game-related types of music selected specifically for the gaming community. (Available in the U.S. and U.K.)

The Xbox 360 console is available at priceds starting at $199 (U.S.). Xbox LIVE Gold Memberships are just over $4 (U.S.) per month.

On the other hand, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
today announced an integration with Facebook to deliver the first phase of a variety of new features to further connect and enhance the online social experiences of PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system owners.

Starting on November 18, as part of the system software update, version 3.10, users can showcase their game accomplishments to friends and family, and post information about the PS3 games they purchase from PlayStation Network to Facebook.

With Firmware 3.10, PS3 system owners can now not only brag to friends about their domination as a gamer, but also back it up by sharing unlocked trophies with their friends on Facebook every time they sync their Trophies. Additionally, the system update enables PS3 system owners to share information on games they just purchased with a click of a button. The new system update also enables game developers to set up trigger points in their games that provide PS3 system users the option to quickly and easily publish game related information from their favorite titles to Facebook.

Key Facebook Features:

Showcase Trophies: Users can instantly share trophies they earn in PS3 games in their Facebook stream.

PlayStation Store Purchase Log Publishing: Users can let friends and family on Facebook instantly know which PlayStation 3 games theyr have purchased.

Game Event: With a few quick clicks of the controller sharing select game events, progress and statistics is now easier than ever with the Facebook integration.

Additional New Firmware 3.10 Features (not related to Facebook) include:

- Photos: Photos will now be displayed in a grid format for simplified access and viewing.
- Friends List: The PlayStation Network Friends List has an enhanced design that enables users to customize the background color of their PlayStation Network Profile.